Federal immigration agents initiated operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday as part of President Trump’s expanding crackdown on illegal immigration, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This operation, named “Charlotte’s Web,” targets individuals residing in the area without legal status.
DHS announced the deployment of Border Patrol teams, including the controversial Commander Gregory Bovino, who had previously led a significant crackdown in Chicago. In a statement, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety, claiming, “We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed.” She added that there have been numerous victims related to crimes committed by individuals in the country illegally.
Reports from social media on Saturday showed Border Patrol agents in green uniforms making arrests in the Charlotte region. A Homeland Security representative confirmed to CBS News that nearly 100 arrests were conducted that day, including those made by both Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Internal government documents indicate that dozens of Border Patrol agents will participate in this operation, utilizing armored vehicles and specialized teams to carry out their duties effectively.
The operation in Charlotte has encountered backlash from Democratic officials, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who criticized it for instilling “unnecessary fear and uncertainty” in the community.
Following the Charlotte initiative, Border Patrol plans to direct its efforts towards New Orleans, where an operation called the “Catahoula Crunch” is set to mobilize approximately 200 agents to continue the focus on immigration enforcement. The crackdown reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and their impact on local communities.